AL'S UNDER THE L.
2908 W LAKE ST · NEAR WEST SIDE, CHICAGO
Failed 6 of 21 inspections. 20 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
APR 82026PASSED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
3-501.13: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHOD OF TCS FOODS. FOUND SAUSAGES IN COTAINER IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER THAWING METHODS FOR TCS FOODS SUCH AS PLACING FOODS IN A COLD HOLDING UNIT OVERNIGHT, OR UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER.
6-202.15: OBSERVED AN SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL ENTRY POINTS FOR PEST.
MAR 302026FAILED5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND: RAW CHICKEN (53.8F) ON FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR, SLICED TOMATOES (57.0F), SHREDDED LETTUCE (55.9F) BOTH IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS AT $86 WORTH OF PRODUCT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHOD OF TCS FOODS. FOUND SAUSAGES IN COTAINER IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER THAWING METHODS FOR TCS FOODS SUCH AS PLACING FOODS IN A COLD HOLDING UNIT OVERNIGHT, OR UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER.
OBSERVED AN SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL ENTRY POINTS FOR PEST.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE AT THIS TIME. FOUND THE MICE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BEHIND THE COLD HOLING UNITS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA, IN THE OFFICE AREA, IN THE TOILET ROOM, AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
OCT 242025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 182025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN A CONTAINER OF SANITIZER WHEN NOT IN USE.
CLEAN THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER.
NOV 192024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
4-501.11 OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE.
show all 21 inspections →
NOV 142024FAILED6 violationsDETAILS
4-501.11 OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
6-501.11 SEAL THE GAPS BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED SEVERAL PIECES OF FLOORING THAT ARE COMING UP IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
6-501.11 OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE DUCT WORK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE DUCT WORK.
2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE.
8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2605983 ON 11/5/24 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND DUCT WORK IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 52024FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED LIVE FLYING INSECTS AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE CEILING IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. ALSO OBSERVED APPROX. 75 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR AND VENTS IN THE FURNACE ROOM, ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA BEHIND AND UNDER THE REFRIGERATORS AND BENEATH THE DRY STORAGE RACKS AND IN THE CREVICES OF THE METAL SUPPORTS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.
SEAL THE GAPS BETWEEN THE FLOOR AND WALL IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED SEVERAL PIECES OF FLOORING THAT ARE COMING UP IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE.
APR 202022FAILED4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK NEAR 3-COMP SINK IN REAR, WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER PER CITY CODE, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND DRYING, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
NO SOAP AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE SUPPLIED WITH SOAP AND PAPERTOWELS/HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
NO PAPERTOWELS AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE SUPPLIED WITH SOAP AND PAPERTOWELS/HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE.
EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING.
AUG 112020PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK NEAR 3-COMP SINK IN REAR, WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER PER CITY CODE, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND DRYING, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND IMPROPER THAWING(SAUSAGES)BEING DONE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO THAW FOOD UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR IN COOLER, AND MAINTAIN.
MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
FOUND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF REACH IN COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND NO DIPPER WELL FOR HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL DIPPER WELL WITH RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK FAUCET IN THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER IN OFFICE. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MAR 212019PASSED4 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. -
OBSERVED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM WITH NO COVER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
MAR 142019FAILED14 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO WRITTEN CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE SLICED POTATOES @57.4F, AND POLISH SAUSAGES @63.0F AT FRYER IN BASKET.SAID FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL COLD FOOD ITEMS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 95 RODENT DROPPINGS THRU OUT FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS.. 70 UNDERNEATH FRONT SERVICE COUNTER NEAR HOT HOLDING UNIT, 7 SCATTERED ALONG SIDE OF REFRIGERATOR UNIT NEXT TO FLAT TOP GRILL, AND 18 UNDERNEATH DESK IN OFFICE ALONG WALL. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA, MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FOIL USED TO LINE THE BOTTOM OF FOOD PREP TABLES, AND WIRED RACKS ON TOP OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED COLD HOLD UNIT/REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM WITH NO COVER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE COVERING IN DISREPAIR WITH LARGE HOLES ON THE TOP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
OBSERVED RECEPTACLE AREA FILLED WITH HEAVY CLUTTER AND UNNECCESARY ITEMS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WHITE LARGE BUCKETS, CARDBOARD BOXES, CONSTRUCTION ITEMS, OLD UNUSED SOILED EQUIPMENT AND DIRT AND GARBAGE DEBRIS ON GROUND THRU OUT SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN A CLEAN STORAGE AREA.
OBSERVED HEAVY FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS ON FLOORS THRU OUT ESTABLISHMENT UNDER FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS, BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATORS, UNDER FRYER EQUIPMENT , AND FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS.
OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE DISH WASHING/ REAR FOOD PREP AREA, AND DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
DEC 112017PASSED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED PREPACKAGED SLICES OF PASTRIES, POUND CAKE ON FRONT COUNTER, FOR SALE TO PUBLIC WITH NO LABEL OR DATE. INFORMED MANAGER OF LABELING REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER INSIDE UNUSED DEEP FRYER STATION, AR FRONT COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INFORMED MANAGER TO REMOVE. OBSERVED RAW WOOD WALL, BEHIND FRONT COUNTER DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF DELFIELD 2 DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SURFACE AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED LINEN USED AS LINER AT FRONT HOT HOLDING (HOT DOG AND BUN) WARMER STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INFORMED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
OBSERVED RUST STAIN BUILDUP ON SHELVING UNIT UNDERNEATH HOT DOG AND BUN WARMER STATION, AS WELL PREP TABLE SHELVING LOCATED BETWEEN FLAT GRILL AND 1 DOOR COOLER AND PREP TABLE SHELVING IN REAR PREP ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SURFACES WITH FOOD GRADE SEALANT. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
OBSERVED UNFINISHED PLASTERED WALL IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SURFACE AND ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED CHIP PAINT IN REAR PREP AREA, ON EAST YELLOW WALL BEHIND MEAT SLICER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE AREA AND TO ENSURE SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
OBSERVED NO HOT OR COLD WATER FAUCET LOCATED ABOVE STOELTING ICE CREAM MACHINE, LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND ENSURE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE ON REAR UTILITY SINK FAUCET, NEXT TO THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNUSED KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN REAR DRY STORAGE (SUNCAST STORAGE CLOSET AND DEEP FRYER). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE, TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
NOV 102016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
INSTRUCTED TO FIX THE WATER STAINED WOODEN CEILING IN THE REAR.
INSTRUCTED TO MEET THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF,
OCT 22015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
REPAIR/REPLACE TOP OF CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
ORGANIZE REACH-IN COOLERS. STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT AND REMOVE STANDING WATER IN BUCKET NEAR CASHIER TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
MAR 102015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.
MAY 212014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOTED HOLES AND OPENINGS INTO THE WALL AND WALL BASE. MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
NOTED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 122013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP COOLER,HAS OPEN SEAMS,MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARD
MUST DEFROST THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA,HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP ALSO MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE MEAT SLICER IN REAR OF PREMISES,HAS OLD FOOD DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT AND MUST REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP FROM THE FILTERS ABOVE STOVE AND BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA
MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE PREP COOLER AND THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA
JAN 62012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CLEAN POTATO DICER ON WALL.
REATTACH LOOSE RUBBER GASKET AT REFRIGERATOR DOOR IN PREP AREA TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF FRYERS AND MAINTAIN.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
SEP 92011FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH NECESSARY DOCUMENTS (MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS, MAP OF RESTAURANT, COPY OF STATE OF ILLINOS LICENSE AND INVOICES) FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY.
All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. MUST INSTALL A DRAIN BOARD AT THREE COMP SINK. MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR PROPER SET UP TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS.
PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →